U.S. patent number 6,445,088 [Application Number 09/813,405] was granted by the patent office on 2002-09-03 for multipurpose data port.
This patent grant is currently assigned to American Power Conversion. Invention is credited to Joseph Dechene, James S. Spitaels.
United States Patent |
6,445,088 |
Spitaels , et al. |
September 3, 2002 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Multipurpose data port
Abstract
An uninterruptible power supply includes a multipurpose data
port that facilitates a plurality of communication methods
including USB, serial and other communication methods, between the
uninterruptible power supply and a host computer system. The
multipurpose data port is configured to prevent interference if a
user mistakenly connects a phone line or other similar but
inappropriate line to the uninterruptible power supply. The
multipurpose data port reduces the machine footprint needed to
support multiple communication ports.
Inventors: |
Spitaels; James S. (Worcester,
MA), Dechene; Joseph (Nashua, NH) |
Assignee: |
American Power Conversion (West
Kingston, RI)
|
Family
ID: |
25212285 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/813,405 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J
9/061 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02J
9/06 (20060101); H02J 007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;363/95,97,131
;307/45,46,64,66,72-75 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Matthew
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mintz, Kevin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky
and Popeo, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An uninterruptible power supply for providing AC power to a
load, the uninterruptible power supply comprising: an input to
receive AC power from an AC power source; an output that provides
AC power; a DC voltage source that provides DC power, the DC
voltage source having an energy storage device; an inverter
operatively coupled to the DC voltage source to receive DC power
and to provide AC power; a transfer switch constructed and arranged
to select one of the AC power source and the DC voltage source as
an output power source for the uninterruptible power supply; and a
multipurpose data port for operatively connecting the
uninterruptible power supply to an external device, wherein the
data port can accommodate more than one type of data
connection.
2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1, wherein the
multipurpose data port utilizes a 10 position RJ-45 jack.
3. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 2, wherein the 10
position RJ-45 jack has a pair of middle pins and wherein the
middle pins are left open, shorted to ground and or connected to
each other to prevent interference from an inappropriately
connected external device.
4. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 3, wherein the 10
position RJ-45 jack has a pair of ground pins adjacent and
surrounding the middle pins.
5. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1, wherein the
uninterruptible power supply further comprises a printed circuit
board and a firmware program that are configured to accommodate a
plurality of communication methods between the uninterruptible
power supply and a host computer system through the multipurpose
data port.
6. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 5, wherein the
plurality of communication methods includes USB, serial and other
communication methods.
7. A multipurpose data port comprising: a 10 position RJ-45 jack
having two middle pins and wherein the two middle pins are either
left open, shorted to ground and or connected to each other; a
printed circuit board operatively connected to the 10 position
RJ-45 jack; a firmware program for controlling operation of the
multipurpose data port, wherein the multipurpose data port is
configured to accommodate a plurality of communication methods
between a first device and a second device.
8. The multipurpose data of claim 7, wherein the first device is a
host computer.
9. The multipurpose data of claim 8, wherein the second device is
an uninterruptible power supply.
10. The multipurpose data port of claim 7, wherein a pair of middle
pins of the 10 position RJ-45 jack are left open, shorted to ground
and or connected to each other to prevent interference if a user
mistakenly connects an inappropriate line to the multipurpose data
port.
11. The multipurpose data port of claim 10, wherein the 10 position
RJ-45 jack has a pair of ground pins adjacent and surrounding the
middle pins.
12. A power supply system comprising: a power input to receive
input power from a power source; a power output to provide output
power to a load; a battery module having a battery output that
provides battery power; a power module coupled to the power input
to receive the input power, coupled to the battery output to
receive the battery power and coupled to the power output to
provide the output power; a controller, coupled to the power
module, constructed and arranged to monitor and control the output
power from the power module; and a multipurpose data port, coupled
to the controller, for operatively connecting the power supply
system to an external device and for facilitating information
exchange between the power supply system and the external device,
wherein the multipurpose data port can accommodate more than one
type of data connection.
13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the multipurpose
data port utilizes a 10 position RJ-45 jack.
14. The power supply system of claim 13, wherein the 10 position
RJ-45 jack has a pair of middle pins and wherein the pair of middle
pins are left open, shorted to ground and or connected to each
other to prevent interference from an inappropriately connected
external device.
15. The power supply system of claim 14, wherein the
uninterruptible power supply further comprises a printed circuit
board and a firmware program that are configured to accommodate a
plurality of communication methods between the power supply system
and a host computer system through the multipurpose data port.
16. A method of supporting a plurality of communication schemes
between a power supply system having a multipurpose data port and
an external device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
plurality of different cabling configurations wherein a first end
of each cable configuration is operatively configured to connect to
the multipurpose data port and wherein a second end of the cabling
configuration is operatively configured to connect to at least one
of a plurality of different ports on the external device; choosing
the appropriate cabling configuration; and connecting the first end
of the cabling configuration to the multipurpose date port and
connecting the second end of the cabling configuration to an
appropriate port on the external device.
17. A power supply comprising: a power input to receive input power
from a power source; a power output to provide output power to a
load; a battery module having a battery output that provides
battery power; a power module coupled to the power input to receive
the input power, coupled to the battery output to receive the
battery power and coupled to the power output to provide the output
power; a controller, coupled to the power module, constructed and
arranged to monitor and control the output power from the power
module and means for supporting a plurality of different types of
cabled communications between the power supply system and an
external device; wherein the means for supporting a plurality of
different types of cabled communication between the power supply
system and the external device includes a multipurpose data
port.
18. The power supply system of claim 17, wherein the multipurpose
data port utilizes a 10 position RJ-45 jack.
19. The power supply system of claim 18, wherein the 10 position
RJ-45 jack has a pair of middle two pins and wherein the two middle
pins are left open, shorted to ground and or connected to each
other to prevent interference from an inappropriately connected
external device.
20. The power supply system of claim 19, wherein the
uninterruptible power supply further comprises a printed circuit
board and a firmware program that are configured to accommodate a
plurality of communication methods including USB, serial and other
communication methods, between the uninterruptible power supply and
a host computer system through the multipurpose data port.
21. The power supply system of claim 17, wherein the means for
supporting a plurality of different types of cabled communication
between the power supply system and the external device includes a
cable having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is
operatively connected to the controller and wherein the second end
is operatively configured for connection to the external
device.
22. The power supply system of claim 21, wherein the second end of
the cable includes an adapter for operatively connecting to
different types of jacks.
23. The power supply system of claim 21, wherein the second end of
the cable includes a multi-headed plug or other compatible
connector for operatively connecting to the external device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed generally to uninterruptible
power supplies (UPSs) and more specifically to a UPS having a
multipurpose data port for communicating between the UPS and a
desktop computer, workstation, server or other similar device,
wherein the data port can accommodate more than one type of data
connection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of uninterruptible power supplies having battery back-up
systems to provide regulated, uninterrupted power for sensitive
and/or critical loads, such as computer systems, and other data
processing systems is well known. FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art
UPS 10 used to provide regulated uninterrupted power. The UPS 10
includes an input filter/surge protector 12, a transfer switch 14,
a controller 16, a battery 18, a battery charger 20 and an inverter
22. The UPS also includes an AC input 24 for coupling to an AC
power source (not shown), an AC outlet 26 for coupling to one or
more loads (not shown) and an AC surge only outlet 28 for coupling
to a monitor and or additional peripheral devices (not shown).
The UPS 10 operates as follows. The filter/surge protector 12
receives input AC power from the AC power source through the AC
input 24, filters the input AC power and provides filtered AC power
to the transfer switch 14, the battery charger 20 and the surge
only outlet 28. The transfer switch 14 receives the AC power from
the filter/surge protector 12 and also receives AC power from the
inverter 22 provided by battery 18. The controller 16 determines
whether the AC power available from the filter/surge protector 12
is within predetermined tolerances, and if so, controls the
transfer switch 14 to provide the AC power from the filter/surge
protector 12 to the AC outlet 26. If the AC power from the
filter/surge protector 12 is not within the predetermined
tolerances, which may occur because of "brown out" "high line,"
"black out," or other conditions, then the controller 16 directs
the transfer switch 14 to provide AC power to the AC outlet 26 from
the inverter 22.
It is also well known that in addition to backing-up the power
supply of computer and other similar systems, UPSs function as
surge protectors for preventing problems or damage to a system
caused by sudden increases in power (e.g., power surges caused by
lightning strikes). While multiple peripherals and datalines to and
from a computer system are often necessary, plugging a phone line
into a computer system basically doubles the risk of power
problems. Add a peripheral device, such as a printer, and the risk
of having a power problem triples.
For example, if lightning were to strike a nearby transformer, it
might create a surge of power great enough to instantly travel
through wiring, network, serial and phone lines. This power surge
could then enter an unprotected computer system through the outlet,
telephone or network datalines lines. If the surge is great enough,
damage could be caused to the circuitry, chips and data of the
computer system.
Because damaging power surges can come from fax, modem and network
datalines, as well as power supplies, many current UPSs have
additional ports where these lines can be connected prior to
connection to the system being protected. Many UPS devices also
offer dedicated power outlets, such as a surge only outlet 28, for
protecting other components of a computer system form sudden power
surges, including the monitor and several peripheral devices such
as printers, zip drives, scanners and fax machines.
In most of the afore-mentioned prior art UPS systems, operating
status information is provided to a user, either locally using, for
example, indicating lights or other display system, or remotely by
communicating with an external device such as a computer. Also,
certain UPS systems provide software that resides on a host
computer system and firmware that resides within the UPS that will
perform certain functions, such as automatically saving open files
and safely shutting down the host computer in case of a sustained
power outage. Most of these UPS systems require cabled
communication between the UPS and the computer system or external
device.
Of the various prior art UPSs that exchange information with a host
computer system, most will include one or more cable ports (e.g.,
DB-9, DB-25, Universal Serial Bus ("USB"), etc.) for supporting
different types of cabled communication between the UPS and the
computer system. Some examples of prior art communication methods
include using a dedicated DB-9 plug type cable for simple
signaling, using a dedicated DB-9 or DB-25 plug type cable for
serial communication and or using a USB plug cable for higher data
transfer rates. Often, because many computers systems, especially
those a few years old or older, have a limited number of
communication ports, a UPS will employ a number of different ports
to support multiple forms of cabled communication. This allows a
user to choose the most compatible or appropriate means for
connecting their computer system to the UPS.
A drawback with multiple ports on a single UPS is that they require
a larger machine footprint than a single port. Therefore, providing
room for more than a single port is often at the sacrifice of
product size and or alternative component designs such as providing
additional electrical outlets.
An additional drawback of using multiple or different communication
ports to connect multiple or different types of cables (e.g., USB
or serial) is that the additional ports might encourage a user to
plug an inappropriate cable into a port. For example, a user might
connect a first system into a first port and a second system into a
second port on the same UPS, which could overload or damage the
UPS.
A further drawback with having several ports is that they require
additional printed circuit board space and additional UPS
resources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems associated with
multiple data ports by providing a multipurpose data port that is
capable of supporting a variety of different types of cabled
communication means including, but not limited to, USB and RS-232
standards. The single multipurpose data port reduces the footprint
needed to support multiple types of communication between the UPS
and a computer system or other external device. In addition, the
multipurpose data port reduces the likelihood that incompatible
devices will be inappropriately connected to the UPS.
In one general aspect, the present invention features a single 10
position RJ-45 jack, wherein the two middle pins are preferably
left open, shorted to ground and or connected to each other to
prevent interference and damage if a user mistakenly connects a
phone line or other similar but inappropriate line to the RJ-45
jack. In addition, the two pins immediately adjacent the middle
pins preferably act as grounds to provide an extra level of
protection for the UPS and host computer in case a user
accidentally plugs a two-line phone into the 10 position RJ-45
jack. By grounding these pins, which are the pins that would
normally carry a second phone line, the second phone line would be
made equally nondisruptive to the UPS. These and the remaining pins
facilitate simple signaling, serial communication and USB
communication with a host computer or other similar device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is
made to the drawings which are incorporated herein by reference and
in which:
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a prior art uninterruptible power
supply;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the prior art uninterruptible power
supply shown in FIG. 1, having multiple communication ports;
FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram for an uninterruptible power
supply having a multipurpose data port in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a pinout scheme for the multipurpose data port
shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 illustrates a typical 10 position RJ-45 jack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 2 shows the UPS 10 of FIG. 1 configured to communicate with a
host computer 30. To that end, a set of communication ports
32,34,36 is provided. The host computer 30 and the controller 16
are configured to communicate with each other with the controller
16 providing operating status, data saving and other instructions
and information to the host computer 30 through a set of cables
42,44,46 connected between communication ports 32,34,36
respectively and the host computer 30. The host computer 30 may
also be configured to convey various parameters and commands to the
controller 16 via cables 42,44,46. Use of the term "computer" and
similar terms, are used broadly and are meant to include
microcomputers, networked computer systems, controllers,
microprocessors with associated memory, etc.
Each of the communication ports 32,34,36 is shown to provide a
different type of data communication between the controller 16 and
the host computer 30. For example, the communication port 32 is
configured for simple signaling, the communication port 34 is
configured for USB communication and the communication port 36 is
configured for serial communication.
The type of information communicated between the controller 16 and
the host computer 30 may include data saving and unattended
shutdown protocols that allow for data saving procedures and safe
system shutdown of host computer 30. Other types of information
that are also regularly communicated between the controller 16 and
the host computer 30 include remaining battery power, battery
charging status, low battery alarm, etc. It should be noted that
prior art UPS systems having multiple communication ports or other
communication port configurations are known and this configuration
was chosen merely for descriptive purposes. A plurality of
communication ports allows a user to choose the most appropriate
means for facilitating communication between the UPS 10 and the
host computer 30.
One embodiment of a multipurpose data port 40, in accordance with
the present invention, will now be described with reference to FIG.
3, which shows a schematic diagram of a UPS 60 that is similar to
the UPS 10 of FIG. 1. The UPS 60 is configured to communicate with
the host computer 30 through the multipurpose data port 40. In the
present embodiment, the multipurpose data port 40 is configured to
accommodate several types of cable communication methods, such as
those depicted in FIG. 2, through a cable 50, operatively connected
between the multipurpose communication port 40 and the host
computer 30.
In this embodiment, the multipurpose data port 40 includes a 10
position RJ-45 jack 80, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein one or more
pins, preferably a pair of middle pins 82,84, are left open,
shorted to ground and or connected to each other to prevent
interference or damage, for example, if a user mistakenly connects
a phone line or other inappropriate line to the multipurpose data
port 40. The UPS 60 includes a modified controller 54, firmware and
circuitry that allows the UPS 60 to communicate with the host
computer 30, over cable 50, all of the information previously
communicated over individual cables 42,44,46, as shown in FIG.
2.
In the present embodiment, cable 50 preferably includes an RJ-45
plug on one end for connecting to the 10 position RJ-45 jack 80.
Cable 50 may include any of a number of plugs or other connection
means on the other end for connecting with host computer 30,
including a USB plug, a DB-9 plug, a DB-25 plug, an adapter for
connecting to different types of jacks, a multi-headed connection
or other compatible connector, depending upon the type of jack or
port the cable 50 is connecting to on the host computer 30 or other
external device.
An advantage of using the 10 position RJ-45 jack 80 is that the
cable 50, which is designed to mate with the 10 position RJ-45 jack
80 (i.e., one fitted with a 10 position RJ-45 plug) would not fit
into most other RJ-45 jacks, due to the unique nature of the RJ-45
jack/plug interface, which includes a keyed portion 90. This
reduces the likelihood that the host computer 30 would be connected
to an inappropriate port on the UPS 60 . Additional advantages to
using an RJ-45 type jack are that it is readily available in the
market, inexpensive and has a relatively small footprint (i.e.,
when compared to a DB-25 jack) which saves valuable footprint space
on the UPS 60 for additional ports or outlets. The position of the
keyed portion 90 on the RJ-45 jack 80 as shown is merely for
illustration. Various alternative keyed or non-keyed 10 position
RJ-45 jacks are contemplated.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, cable 50 may
be wired directly into the UPS 60. In this embodiment, one end of
cable 50 would be hard wired into UPS 60, while the other end would
preferably include, as above-described, any of a number of plugs or
other connection means for connecting with the host computer 30,
including a USB plug, a DB-9 plug, a DB-25 plug, an adapter for
connecting to different types of jacks, a multi-headed connection
or other compatible connector, depending upon the type of jack or
port the cable 50 is connecting to on the host computer 30 or other
external device. This embodiment would further reduce the
likelihood that an improper connection would be made between the
UPS 60 and an external device, because there would be one fewer
jack needed on the UPS 60, and only one free end of cable 50.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the UPS 60 is
configured to provide plug-and-play functionality via the
multipurpose data port 40. In this embodiment, the UPS 60 firmware
directs the controller 54 to monitor one of the pins of the 10
position RJ-45 jack 80 for signals from the host computer 30, which
are directed to the pin via various components in cable 50. This
single pin is capable of simultaneously performing at least three
tasks, including but not limited, receiving serial data, receiving
plug-and-play enumeration requests and receiving simple shut down
commands. The plug-and-play functionality, for example, allows the
host computer 30 to automatically recognize the UPS 60 and install
a proper driver.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a cable pinout chart 70, displays a
suggested pinout scheme for the 10 position RJ-45 jack 80 that
allows for connecting either a USB cable, a simple signaling cable
or a smart serial cable between the multipurpose data port 40 and
the host computer 30. Preferably, the firmware and circuitry of the
UPS 60 allows the controller 54 to receive data and instructions
from the host computer 30 through the multipurpose data port
40.
In a preferred embodiment, a set of pins 86,88 act as grounds. This
provides an extra level of protection for the UPS 60 and host
computer 30 in case a user accidentally plugs a two-line phone into
the 10 position RJ-45 jack 80. As described above, by leaving open,
shorting to ground and or connecting the pins 82,84 to each other,
the first phone line would be made nondisruptive if were to be
accidentally connected to the UPS 60. By grounding pins 86,88,
which are the pins that would normally carry the second phone line,
the second phone line would be made equally nondisruptive to the
UPS 60.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, a multipurpose
data port employing a 10 position RJ-45 jack is described and a
suggested pinout scheme is illustrated. As understood by one in the
art, however, other jacks (e.g., 8 position RJ-45, DB-25, DB-15,
DB-9 , Mini-DIN, etc.) and other pinout schemes may be used to
facilitate connection of the uninterruptible power supply to a
plurality of different ports on a computer system.
In addition, certain of the embodiments described herein may also
support similar or different types of communication than those
described above between the uninterruptible power supply and the
computer system. It should also be noted that the multipurpose data
port as herein described for use in connection with an
uninterruptible power supply may also be employed for facilitating
multiple forms of cabled communication between other types of
devices.
Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the
invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will
readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,
modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope
and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description
is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The
invention's limit is defined only in the following claims and the
equivalents thereto.
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